Display substrate and liquid crystal display panel having the same

ABSTRACT

A display substrate includes a display area corresponding to a plurality of pixels, a peripheral area surrounding the display area, a thin film transistor for driving a corresponding one of the pixels, a gate line electrically coupled to the thin film transistor, a data line crossing the gate line and electrically coupled to the thin film transistor, a pixel electrode electrically coupled to the thin film transistor, and a common electrode overlapping the pixel electrode and having a first opening overlapping a first pixel of the pixels, and a second opening overlapping a second pixel of the pixels adjacent the first pixel, wherein the first opening and the second opening extend in different directions, and wherein the common electrode is continuous and overlaps the first and second pixels.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean patentApplication No. 10-2012-0110417 filed on Oct. 5, 2012, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a displaysubstrate and a liquid crystal display panel having the displaysubstrate.

2. Description of the Related Art

Liquid crystal display devices have various advantages, such as lightweight, thinness, low power consumption, etc., making liquid crystaldisplay devices widely used.

The liquid crystal display device controls alignment of liquid crystalusing an electric field formed between two electrodes, such as a pixelelectrode and a common electrode, to display an image. The pixelelectrode and the common electrodes may be formed at differentsubstrates. However, use of a plane line switching, or plane to lineswitching, liquid crystal panel (e.g., a PLS type LCD) including a pixelelectrode and a common electrode, which are formed at a same substrate,is recently increasing to improve a view angle, etc.

However, colors represented by the PLS type liquid crystal panel mayvary depending on a viewing angle. When a plurality of domains is formedin a pixel to improve the color variation problem, a liquid crystaltexture may be formed adjacent a domain boundary, thereby decreasingbrightness.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments of the present invention provide a display substrateand a LCD panel capable of improving display quality without decreasingbrightness.

According to one aspect of example embodiments of the present invention,a display substrate includes a display area corresponding to a pluralityof pixels, a peripheral area surrounding the display area, a thin filmtransistor for driving a corresponding one of the pixels, a gate lineelectrically coupled to the thin film transistor, a data line crossingthe gate line and electrically coupled to the thin film transistor, apixel electrode electrically coupled to the thin film transistor, and acommon electrode overlapping the pixel electrode and having a firstopening overlapping a first pixel of the pixels, and a second openingoverlapping a second pixel of the pixels adjacent the first pixel,wherein the first opening and the second opening extend in differentdirections, and wherein the common electrode is continuous and overlapsthe first and second pixels.

The first opening and the second opening may collectively form acontinuous opening.

The first pixel may be adjacent the second pixel in a row direction.

The first opening may be symmetrical to the second opening with respectto the data line.

The common electrode may further have a third opening overlapping athird pixel of the pixels that is adjacent the first pixel in a columndirection, and a fourth opening overlapping a fourth pixel of the pixelsthat is adjacent the second pixel in the column direction and isadjacent the third pixel in the row direction, and the third opening maybe symmetrical to the first opening with respect to the gate line, andthe fourth opening may be symmetrical to the second opening with respectto the gate line.

The first opening may have a first extending portion extending in afirst direction, a second extending portion extending from an end of thefirst extending portion in a second direction different from the firstdirection, and a third extending portion extending from an opposite endof the first extending portion in a third direction different from thefirst direction.

The second direction may be opposite to the third direction.

The second extending portion and the third extending portion may eachpartially overlap the pixel electrode.

The first pixel may be adjacent the second pixel in a row direction, andmay be spaced apart from the second pixel.

The first opening may have a first extending portion extending in afirst direction, a second extending portion extending from an end of thefirst extending portion in a second direction different from the firstdirection, and a third extending portion extending from an opposite endof the first extending portion in a third direction different from thefirst direction.

The second extending portion and the third extending portion mayrespectively overlap an adjacent data line.

The second extending portion and the third extending portion may bespaced from an adjacent data line in a plan view.

The display substrate may further include a common line electricallycoupled to the common electrode at the peripheral area.

The common electrode may be on the pixel electrode.

The display substrate may further include a lower alignment layer on thecommon electrode and rubbed in a row direction.

According to one aspect of example embodiments of the present invention,a display substrate includes a display area corresponding to a pluralityof pixels, a peripheral area surrounding the display area, a thin filmtransistor for driving a corresponding one of the pixels, a gate lineelectrically coupled to the thin film transistor, a data line crossingthe gate line and electrically coupled to the thin film transistor, apixel electrode electrically coupled to the thin film transistor, and acommon electrode overlapping the pixel electrode and having an openingoverlapping a first pixel of the pixels, and a second pixel of thepixels adjacent the first pixel, wherein the opening has a zigzag shape.

A protrusion portion of the opening may extend in a column direction andmay have a “V” shape.

The opening may have a protrusion portion that overlaps the date line.

The opening of the common electrode may further have a third openingoverlapping a third pixel of the pixels adjacent the first pixel in acolumn direction, and a fourth opening overlapping a fourth pixel of thepixels adjacent the second pixel in the column direction, and the thirdand fourth openings may be respectively symmetrical to the first andsecond openings with respect to the gate line.

According to one aspect of example embodiments of the present invention,a liquid crystal display panel includes a display substrate including adisplay area corresponding to a plurality of pixels, and a peripheralarea surrounding the display area, an opposing substrate coupled to thedisplay substrate, a liquid crystal layer between the display substrateand the opposing substrate, a thin film transistor on the displaysubstrate and for driving a corresponding one of the pixels, a gate lineelectrically coupled to the thin film transistor, a data line crossingthe gate line and electrically coupled to the thin film transistor, apixel electrode electrically coupled to the thin film transistor, and acommon electrode overlapping the pixel electrode and having a firstopening overlapping a first pixel of the pixels, and a second openingoverlapping a second pixel of the pixels adjacent the first pixel,wherein the first opening and the second opening extend in differentdirections, and wherein the common electrode is continuous and overlapsthe first and second pixels.

The first opening and the second opening may collectively define acontinuous opening, and the first pixel and the second pixel may beadjacent each other in a row direction.

The first opening may be symmetrical to the second opening with respectto the data line.

The common electrode may further have a third opening overlapping athird pixel of the pixels adjacent the first pixel in a columndirection, and a fourth opening overlapping a fourth pixel of the pixelsadjacent the second pixel in the column direction and adjacent the thirdpixel in the row direction, and the third opening may be symmetrical tothe first opening with respect to the gate line, and the fourth openingmay be symmetrical to the second opening with respect to the gate line.

The first opening may have a first extending portion extending in afirst direction, a second extending portion extending from an end of thefirst extending portion in a second direction different from the firstdirection, and a third extending portion extending from an opposite endof the first extending portion in a third direction different from thefirst direction.

The second direction may be opposite to the third direction.

The second extending portion and the third extending portion may eachpartially overlap the pixel electrode.

The first pixel may be adjacent the second pixel in a row direction, andis spaced apart from the second pixel.

The first opening may have a first extending portion extending in afirst direction, a second extending portion extending from an end of thefirst extending portion in a second direction different from the firstdirection, and a third extending portion extending from an opposite endof the first extending portion in a third direction different from thefirst direction.

The second extending portion and the third extending portion mayrespectively overlap an adjacent data line.

The second extending portion and the third extending portion may bespaced apart from an adjacent data line in a plan view.

The display substrate may further include a common line electricallycoupled to the common electrode at the peripheral area.

The display substrate may further include a lower alignment layer on thecommon electrode and rubbed in a row direction, and an upper alignmentlayer below the opposing substrate and rubbed in a row direction.

According to one aspect of example embodiments of the present invention,a liquid crystal display panel includes a display substrate including adisplay area corresponding to a plurality of pixels, and a peripheralarea surrounding the display area, an opposing substrate coupled to thedisplay substrate, a liquid crystal layer between the display substrateand the opposing substrate, a thin film transistor for driving acorresponding one of the pixels on the display substrate, a gate lineelectrically coupled to the thin film transistor, a data line crossingthe gate line and electrically coupled to the thin film transistor, apixel electrode electrically coupled to the thin film transistor, and acommon electrode overlapping the pixel electrode and having a firstopening overlapping a first pixel of the pixels, and a second openingoverlapping with a second pixel of the pixels adjacent the first pixel,wherein the first and second openings have a zigzag shape.

The first and second openings may have a protrusion portion protrudingin a column direction and having a “V” shape.

The protrusion portion may overlap the date line.

According to the above, liquid crystal molecules in a display area arealigned in different directions to form a plurality of domains. Thus, acolor perceived by an observer may be relatively consistent regardlessof a view angle.

Furthermore, the domains are not formed in a single pixel area, but areformed in different pixel areas. Thus, brightness decrease caused at aboundary between domains in a same pixel area may be reduced orprevented.

Also, openings of a common electrode may be symmetrical in a rowdirection and in a column direction so that horizontal line defects arereduced, thereby improving picture quality.

Further, a common electrode continuously extends in a display area.Thus, brightness decrease or contrast decrease caused at a boundarybetween pixel areas may be reduced or prevented. Furthermore, when thecommon electrode continuously extends in the display area, a common lineformed in the display area is not required, so that an opening ratiosubstantially increases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments of the present invention can be understood in moredetail from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a display substrate according to anexample embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a pixel of the displaysubstrate of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display substrate ofFIG. 2 taken along the line I-I′;

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a common electrode of the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view illustrating the region ‘A’ of thedisplay substrate illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display substrate ofFIG. 5 taken along the line II-II′;

FIGS. 7 to 15 are cross-sectional views illustrating a method ofmanufacturing a display substrate according to an example embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid crystal displaypanel according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating liquid crystal molecules that arealigned on a common electrode and a pixel electrode of the liquidcrystal display panel according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating a display substrate according toanother example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating a common electrode of the displaysubstrate of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18; and

FIG. 20 is a plan view illustrating a display substrate according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The example embodiments of the present invention are described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. However,the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, andshould not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forthherein. In the drawings, the sizes and relative sizes of layers andregions may be exaggerated for clarity.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “coupled to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, itcan be directly on, directly coupled to, or directly coupled to theother element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layersmay be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being“directly on,” “directly coupled to” or “directly coupled to” anotherelement or layer, no intervening elements or layers are present. Like orsimilar reference numerals refer to like or similar elements throughout.As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,”“third,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers, patterns, and/or sections, these elements,components, regions, layers, patterns, and/or sections should not belimited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement, component, region, layer pattern or section from anotherregion, layer, pattern or section. Thus, a first element, component,region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a secondelement, component, region, layer, or section without departing from theteachings of example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use/operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device may be further orienteddifferently (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and thespatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpretedaccordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of theinvention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Example embodiments may be described herein with reference to crosssectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of exampleembodiments (and intermediate structures) of the present invention. Assuch, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, forexample, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as beinglimited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein, butshould be construed as including deviations in shapes that result, forexample, from manufacturing. The regions illustrated in the figures areschematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate theactual shape of a region of a device, and are not intended to limit thescope of the present invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the meaning that is commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the presentinvention belongs. It will be further understood that terms should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with the meaningsdefined in commonly used dictionaries and in the context of the relevantart, and the terms will not be interpreted in an idealized or overlyformal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a display substrate according to anexample embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, adisplay substrate 100 is categorized as a display area DA for displayingan image, and a peripheral area PA surrounding the display area DA.

The display substrate 100 includes a base substrate 110, a plurality ofpixels PX located at the display area DA of the base substrate 110, anda driving part located at the peripheral area PA of the base substrate110.

Each of the pixels PX includes a pixel thin film transistor TFT. Thus,the display substrate 100 includes a thin film transistor arrayincluding a plurality of thin film transistors arranged in a matrixconfiguration. The pixel thin film transistor TFT may include an NMOStransistor. The pixel PX includes a pixel electrode PE coupled to thepixel thin film transistor TFT to form a liquid crystal capacitor Clc,and also includes a common electrode CE. In another embodiment of thepresent invention, the pixel PX may further include a storage lineand/or a storage electrode to form a storage capacitor.

The driving part at the peripheral area PA includes a gate driving partGD and a data driving part DD. The gate driving part GD provides a gatesignal(s) to the pixel PX, and the data driving part DD provides a datasignal(s) to the pixel PX. The gate driving part GD and the data drivingpart DD may include a circuit transistor, which may be a CMOS transistorincluding a PMOS transistor or an NMOS transistor, integrated on thebase substrate 110.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a pixel of the displaysubstrate of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is across-sectional view illustrating the display substrate of FIG. 2 takenalong the line I-I′. FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a commonelectrode illustrated in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a display substrate 100 includes a gate lineGL, a data line DL, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, a drainelectrode DE, an active pattern AP, a pixel electrode PE, and a commonelectrode CE. The gate electrode GE, the source electrode SE, the drainelectrode DE, and the active pattern AP form the pixel thin filmtransistor TFT.

The gate line GL is electrically coupled to the gate driving part GD,and extends in a first direction. For example, the gate line GL mayextend in a row direction D1 of the display substrate 100. Examples of amaterial that may be used for the gate line GL may include, for example,copper, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, manganese, titanium, silver,aluminum, an alloy thereof, and/or the like. The gate line GL may have asingle-layered structure, or a multiple-layered structure includingdifferent metal layers. For example, the gate line GL may have asingle-layered structure of a copper layer, or may have a double-layeredstructure including a titanium layer located under a copper layer.Alternatively, the gate line GL may include a metal layer and an oxidebarrier layer located on and/or under the copper layer. For example, thegate line GL may include a copper layer, an indium-zinc oxide layer onthe copper layer, and an indium-zinc oxide layer under the copper layer.

The gate electrode GE is electrically coupled to the gate line GL toreceive a gate signal from the gate driving part GD. For example, thegate electrode GE may have a shape protruding from the gate line GL. Thegate electrode GE may be formed from a same layer (e.g., in a sameorder, or at a same time) as the gate line GL. In another embodiment,the gate electrode GE may be separated from the gate line GL, and may beelectrically coupled to the gate line GL through a bridge. Furthermore,the gate electrode GE may include a material that is different from thatof the gate line GL.

The data line DL is electrically coupled to the data driving part DD,and extends in a second direction to cross the gate line GL. Forexample, the data line DL may extend in a column direction D2 of thedisplay substrate 100. The data line DL may have a single-layeredstructure of copper, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, manganese, titanium,silver, aluminum, or an alloy thereof, or may have a multiple-layeredstructure including different metal layers. Furthermore, the data lineDL may include a metal layer and an oxide barrier layer located onand/or under the copper layer.

The source electrode SE is electrically coupled to the data line DL toreceive a source signal from the data driving part DD. In the presentembodiment, the source electrode SE is defined by a portion of the dataline DL (e.g., the source electrode SE and the data line DL may becontinuously formed). In another embodiment, the source electrode SE mayhave a shape protruding from the data line DL. In another embodiment,the source electrode SE may be separated from the data line DL, and maybe electrically coupled to the data line DL through a bridge.Furthermore, the source electrode SE may include a material that isdifferent from that of the data line DL.

The drain electrode DE is spaced apart from the source electrode SE, isformed from a same layer as the data line DL and the source electrodeSE, and is electrically coupled to the pixel electrode PE.

The active pattern AP includes a source portion SP, a drain portion DP,and a channel portion CP between the source portion SP and the drainportion DP. A low-concentration-doped portion LD is located between thesource portion SP and the channel portion CP, and also between the drainportion DP and the channel portion CP. The source portion SP, the drainportion DP, the channel portion CP, and the low-concentration-dopedportion LD are formed from a same layer.

The source portion SP is electrically coupled to the source electrodeSE, and the drain portion DP is electrically coupled to the drainelectrode DE. The channel portion CP overlaps with the gate electrode GEin a plan view (e.g., the gate electrode GE is above the channel portionCP). When a gate signal is applied to the gate electrode GE, aconductivity of the channel portion CP is increased so that a datasignal provided to the source portion SP is provided to the pixelelectrode PE through the channel portion CP, the drain portion DP, andthe drain electrode DE.

The active pattern AP may include polycrystalline silicon. The sourceportion SP and the drain portion DP may include polycrystalline silicondoped with impurities of high concentration. The low-concentration-dopedportion LD may include polycrystalline silicon doped with impurities oflow concentration. The channel portion CP may include polycrystallinesilicon that is not doped. For example, the source portion SP, the drainportion DP, and the low-concentration-doped portion LD may be doped withN-type impurities.

The common electrode CE overlaps with the pixel electrode PE, iselectrically insulated from the pixel electrode PE, and has a commonvoltage provided thereto. The common electrode CE continuously overlapswith at least two pixel electrodes adjacent (e.g., next to) each otherin the row direction D1. Preferably, the common electrode CEcontinuously extends in the row direction D1 in the display area DA(e.g., comprises a number of continuous pieces extending in the rowdirection D1). Furthermore, the common electrode CE includes an openingOP overlapping with the pixel electrode PE. In an embodiment of thepresent invention, the opening OP extends substantially in the rowdirection D1 in the display area DA. Thus, the opening OP crosses thedata line DL, and the common electrode CE is made of a plurality ofelectrode portions spaced apart from each other (e.g., separated byopenings such as the opening OP) in the column direction D2 in thedisplay area DA.

Furthermore, the opening OP includes a protrusion portion PP protrudingin the column direction D2 (e.g., the protrusion portion PP may extendfurther in the column direction D2 then a remaining portion of theopening OP). The protrusion portion PP overlaps with the data line DL,and may have a V-shape. The common electrode CE and the opening OP willbe explained more fully in the following.

Referring to FIG. 3, the display substrate 100 includes a light-blockingpattern BP formed on the base substrate 110. The light-blocking patternBP overlaps with the active pattern AP, and is located between theactive pattern AP and the base substrate 110. Thus, the light-blockingpattern BP blocks an incident light from below the active pattern AP toreduce or prevent the incident light from entering the active patternAP. Thus, change of electrical characteristics of the thin filmtransistor may be reduced or prevented. Examples of a material that maybe used for the light-blocking pattern BP may include a metal, anorganic material, polycrystalline silicon, and/or the like.

A first insulation layer 120 is formed on the light-blocking pattern BP.The first insulation layer 120 may include an insulation material suchas silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or the like. The active pattern AP isformed on the first insulation layer 120, and overlaps with thelight-blocking pattern BP.

A second insulation layer 130 is formed on the active pattern AP, andmay include an insulation material such as silicon nitride, siliconoxide, or the like. The gate line GL and the gate electrode GE areformed on the second insulation layer 130.

A third insulation layer 140 is formed on the gate line GL and the gateelectrode GE, and may include an insulation material such as siliconnitride, silicon oxide, or the like. The data line DL, the sourceelectrode SE, and the drain electrode DE are formed on the thirdinsulation layer 140. The source electrode SE contacts the sourceportion SP of the active pattern AP through a contact hole in the secondthird insulation layers 130 and 140. The drain electrode DE contacts thedrain portion DP of the active pattern AP through a different contacthole in the second and third insulation layers 130 and 140.

A fourth insulation layer 150 and a fifth insulation layer 160 areformed on the data line DL, the source electrode SE, and the drainelectrode DE. The fourth insulation layer 150 may include an insulationmaterial such as silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or the like. The fifthinsulation layer 160 compensates for height difference to planarize anupper surface of the display substrate 100 (e.g., a planarizationlayer). The fifth insulation layer 160 may include an organic insulationmaterial. The pixel electrode PE is formed on the fifth insulation layer160, and contacts the drain electrode DE though a contact hole formedthrough the fourth insulation layer 150 and the fifth insulation layer160.

A sixth insulation layer 170 is formed on the pixel electrode PE, andmay include an insulation material such as silicon nitride, siliconoxide, or the like. In another embodiment, the sixth insulation layer170 may include an organic insulation material. The common electrode CEis formed on the sixth insulation layer 170.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the common electrode CE islocated on the pixel electrode PE. In another embodiment of the presentinvention, the common electrode CE may be located under the pixelelectrode PE.

A lower alignment layer 180 is located on the common electrode CE, andis rubbed in a direction so that liquid crystal molecules locatedbetween the display substrate 100 and an opposing substrate areorientated in a direction to have a pretilt angle. In an embodiment ofthe present invention, a rubbing direction of the lower alignment layer180 is substantially parallel to the row direction D1 of the displaysubstrate 100.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the opening OP includes a first protrusionportion PP1 protruding in the column direction D2, and a secondprotrusion portion PP2 protruding in the column direction D2 in adirection opposite to the protruding direction of the first protrusionportion PP1. The first and second protrusion portions PP1 and PP2respectively overlap with corresponding data lines DL.

Particularly, a first opening OP1 in a first pixel area PX1 includes afirst extending portion OP11 extending in a first direction, a secondextending portion OP12 extending from an end (e.g., a first end) of thefirst extending portion OP11 in a second direction, and a thirdextending portion OP13 extending from an opposite end (e.g., a secondend) of the first extending portion OP11 in a third direction. The firstextending portion OP11, the second extending portion OP12, and the thirdextending portion OP13 are continuously coupled to each other (e.g., thefirst, second, and third opening portions OP11, OP12, and OP13collectively form a continuous first opening OP1).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first direction isdifferent from the second direction, and the second direction issubstantially parallel to the third direction. Thus, the seconddirection is opposite to the third direction (e.g., the second and thirdextending portions OP12 and OP13 extend in opposite directions fromfirst extending portion OP11). The first direction is tilted to the rowdirection D1 such that the first direction is not parallel to either thegate line GL or the data line DL.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first extending portionOP11 is entirely overlapped with the pixel electrode PE, and the secondextending portion OP12 and the third extending portion OP13 arepartially overlapped with the pixel electrode PE.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first pixel area PX1includes a plurality of first openings OP1 spaced apart from each otherin the column direction D2. The first opening OP1 is coupled to a secondopening OP2, which is in a second pixel area PX2 that is adjacent thefirst pixel area PX1, in the row direction D1. The second opening OP2has a shape symmetrical to that of the first opening OP1 with respect tothe data line DL.

The second opening OP2 includes a first extending portion OP21 extendingin a fourth direction, a second extending portion OP22 extending from anend of the first extending portion OP21 in a fifth direction, and athird extending portion OP23 extending from an opposite end of the firstextending portion OP21 in a sixth direction. The first extending portionOP21, the second extending portion OP22, and the third extending portionOP23 are continuously coupled to each other (e.g., to form a continuoussecond opening OP2). The second extending portion OP22 of the secondopening OP2 is coupled to the third extending portion OP13 of the firstopening OP1 to form the protrusion portion PP.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the fourth direction isdifferent from the fifth direction, and the fifth direction issubstantially parallel to (e.g., opposite to) the sixth direction. Thefourth direction is tilted to the row direction D1 such that the fourthdirection is not parallel to either the gate line GL or the data lineDL.

A third opening OP3 in a third pixel area PX3, which is adjacent thefirst pixel area PX1 in the column direction D2, has a shape symmetricalto that of the first opening OP1 with respect to the gate line GL (e.g.,the third opening OP3 and the first opening OP1 are symmetrical withrespect to the gate line GL). Thus, the third opening OP3 hassubstantially a same shape (e.g., shape and direction) as the secondopening OP2. Particularly, the third opening OP3 includes a firstextending portion OP31, a second extending portion OP32, and a thirdextending portion OP33, which are continuously coupled to each other.

A fourth opening OP4 in a fourth pixel area PX4, which is adjacent thesecond pixel area PX2 in the column direction D2 and is also adjacentthe third pixel area PX3 in the row direction D1, has a shapesymmetrical to the second opening OP2 with respect to the gate line GL.Furthermore, the fourth opening OP4 has a shape symmetrical to the thirdopening OP3 with respect to the data line DL. Thus, the fourth openingOP4 has substantially a same shape (e.g., same shape and direction) asthe first opening OP1. Particularly, the fourth opening OP4 includes afirst extending portion OP41, a second extending portion OP42, and athird extending portion OP43, which are continuously coupled to eachother (e.g., the first extending portion OP41, the second extendingportion OP42, and the third extending portion OP43 collectively form, ordefine, the fourth opening OP4).

Thus, the common electrode CE in an embodiment has a repeating unit(e.g., a repeating pattern) including four pixel areas corresponding totwo rows and two columns (e.g., the four pixel areas being in a 2 by 2matrix). First to fourth pixels, which respectively correspond to thefirst to fourth pixel areas PX1, PX2, PX3 and PX4, are coupled todifferent thin film transistors to be independently driven.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view illustrating the region ‘A’ of thedisplay substrate of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is across-sectional view illustrating the display substrate of FIG. 5 takenalong the line II-II'. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the common electrodeCE overlaps the peripheral area PA as well as the display area DA, andis electrically coupled to a common line CL.

The common line CL is located at the peripheral area PA, and may beformed from a same layer as the gate line GL. For example, the commonline CL is formed on the first insulation layer 120 and the secondinsulation layer 130.

The common electrode CE includes a connection portion CNP located in theperipheral area PA, and which contacts the common line CL through acontact hole formed through the third through sixth insulation layers140, 150, 160, and 170.

Accordingly, a common voltage may be provided to the common electrode CEfrom the common line CL.

The connection portion CNP continuously extends (e.g., extends as acontinuous piece of material) in the column direction D2. Thus, even ifthe portion of the common electrode CE in the display area DA is dividedinto a plurality of electrode portions by the openings OP, the commonvoltage may be applied to an entirety of the common electrode CE.

FIGS. 7 to 15 are cross-sectional views illustrating a method ofmanufacturing a display substrate according to an example embodiment ofthe present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, a light-blocking pattern BP,a first insulation layer 120, a polycrystalline silicon pattern PSP, anda second insulation layer 130 are formed on a base substrate 110.

The base substrate 110 may be a transparent substrate. Examples of thebase substrate 110 may include a glass substrate, a soda lime substrate(e.g., soda-lime-silica glass substrate), a plastic substrate and/or thelike.

A light-blocking layer including a material capable of reflecting orabsorbing a light is formed on the base substrate 110, and is patternedthrough a photolithography or the like to form the light-blockingpattern BP. Thereafter, the first insulation layer 120 is formed tocover the light-blocking pattern BP.

Thereafter, an amorphous silicon layer is formed on the first insulationlayer 120, and is dehydrogenated, crystallized by using a laser or thelike, and patterned through a photolithography or the like to form thepolycrystalline silicon pattern PSP. At least a portion of thepolycrystalline silicon pattern PSP overlaps with the light-blockingpattern BP. Thereafter, the second insulation layer 130 covering thepolycrystalline silicon pattern PSP is formed.

Referring to FIG. 8, a gate metal layer is formed on the secondinsulation layer 130, and is patterned to form a gate line GL and a gateelectrode GE. The gate electrode GE overlaps with the polycrystallinesilicon pattern PSP.

Thereafter, a photoresist pattern PR is formed to cover the gateelectrode GE. The photoresist pattern PR has a width larger than a widthof the gate electrode GE in a plan view, and thus covers a side surface(e.g., the sides, or the top and sides) of the gate electrode GE.

Referring to FIG. 9, an ion IP having a high concentration is implantedinto a portion of the polycrystalline silicon pattern PSP by using thephotoresist pattern PR as a mask to form a source portion SP and a drainportion DP. The ion IP is not implanted into a portion of thepolycrystalline silicon pattern PSP, which overlaps with (e.g., iscovered by) the photoresist pattern PR.

Referring to FIG. 10, the photoresist pattern PR is removed. Thereafter,an ion IP having a low concentration is implanted into a portion of thepolycrystalline silicon pattern PSP by using the gate electrode GE as amask to form a low-concentration-doped portion LD. The ion IP is notimplanted into a portion of the polycrystalline silicon pattern PSP thatoverlaps with the gate electrode GE, and this portion forms a channelportion CP. The low-concentration-doped portion LD is formed between thesource portion SP and the channel portion CP, and between the drainportion DP and the channel portion CP.

In another embodiment of the present invention, after the gate electrodeGE is formed, an ion having a low concentration may be implanted into aportion of the polycrystalline silicon pattern PSP. Thereafter, aphotoresist pattern may be formed, and an ion having a highconcentration may be implanted into a portion of alow-concentration-doped portion LD to form the drain portion DP and thechannel portion CP.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the process for formingthe low-concentration-doped portion LD may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 11, a third insulation layer 140 is formed on thesecond insulation layer 130 to cover the gate electrode GE and the gateline GL. Thereafter, the second and third insulation layers 130 and 140are patterned to form a first contact hole CH1 exposing the sourceportion SP, and a second contact hole CH2 exposing the drain portion DR

Referring to FIG. 12, a data metal layer is formed on the thirdinsulation layer 140, and is patterned to form a source electrode SEcontacting the source portion SP through the first contact hole CH1, adrain electrode contacting the drain portion DP through the secondcontact hole CH2, and a data line (e.g., a portion of the data line DL).

Referring to FIG. 13, a fourth insulation layer 150 is formed on thethird insulation layer 140 to cover the source electrode SE, the drainelectrode DE, and the data line. Then, a fifth insulation layer 160 isformed on the fourth insulation layer 150. Thereafter, the fourth andfifth insulation layers 150 and 160 are patterned to form a thirdcontact hole CH3 exposing the drain electrode DE.

Referring to FIG. 14, a pixel electrode layer is formed on the fifthinsulation layer 160, and is patterned to form a pixel electrode PE.Examples of a material that may be used for the pixel electrode layermay include a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide,indium zinc oxide or the like.

Thereafter, a sixth insulation layer 170 is formed on the fifthinsulation layer 160 to cover the pixel electrode PE.

Referring to FIG. 15, a common electrode layer is formed on the sixthinsulation layer 170, and is patterned to form a common electrode CEhaving an opening OP. Examples of a material that may be used for thecommon electrode layer may include a transparent conductive materialsuch as indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, or the like. The opening OPoverlaps with the pixel electrode PE.

Thereafter, a lower alignment layer 180, shown in FIG. 16, is formed tocover the common electrode layer CE. For example, an alignmentcomposition including a polyimide resin is coated on the commonelectrode CE to form an alignment layer 180, and the alignment layer 180may be rubbed (e.g., rubbed in a predetermined direction) by using arubbing fabric or the like to form the lower alignment layer 180.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the thin film transistorincludes a polycrystalline silicon channel portion. However, a thin filmtransistor including amorphous silicon, an oxide semiconductor, or thelike may be used for the invention.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the common electrode CEmay be located under the pixel electrode PE.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid crystal displaypanel according to an example embodiment of the present invention. FIG.17 is a plan view illustrating liquid crystal molecules aligned on acommon electrode and a pixel electrode of the liquid crystal displaypanel.

Referring to FIG. 16, the liquid crystal display panel includes adisplay substrate 100, an opposing substrate 200, and a liquid crystallayer 250 between the display substrate 100 and the opposing substrate200. The display substrate 100 and the opposing substrate 200 arecombined with each other (e.g., bonded to each other) by a sealingmember or the like. The display substrate 100 of the present embodimentis substantially the same as the display substrate of the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2. Thus, duplicative explanation will be omitted.

The opposing substrate 200 includes a base substrate 210, a black matrixBM formed on a surface of the base substrate 210, a color filter CFformed on the surface of the base substrate 210, a planarizing layer 220covering the black matrix BM and the color filter CF, and an upperalignment layer 230 contacting the liquid crystal layer 250.

The upper alignment layer 230 has a rubbing direction, which may be, forexample, parallel with the rubbing direction of the lower alignmentlayer 180. The rubbing direction of the upper alignment layer 230 may beopposite to the rubbing direction of the lower alignment layer 180.

Liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 250 between thedisplay substrate 100 and the opposing substrate 200 have a pretiltangle to be aligned (e.g., aligned in a predetermined direction).

FIG. 17 is a plan view for explaining behavior of liquid crystalmolecules in a liquid crystal display panel according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 17, a commonelectrode has a first opening OP1, a second opening OP2, a third openingOP3, and a fourth opening OP4, which respectively overlap differentpixel electrodes.

When a pixel voltage is applied to each of the pixel electrodes, aliquid crystal molecule LC is aligned by an electric field formed by thepixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. For example, the liquidcrystal molecule LC may be aligned such that a longitudinal axis of theliquid crystal molecule LC is perpendicular to an extending direction ofthe opening OP of the common electrode CE. Thus, a liquid crystalmolecule LC in a first pixel area PX1 is aligned in a directionperpendicular to an extending direction of the first opening OP1. Aliquid crystal molecule LC in a second pixel area PX2, which is adjacentthe first pixel area PX1 in a row direction D1, is aligned in adirection perpendicular (e.g., substantially perpendicular) to anextending direction of the second opening OP2. A liquid crystal moleculeLC in a third pixel area PX3, which is adjacent the first pixel area PX1in a column direction D2, is aligned in a direction perpendicular (e.g.,substantially perpendicular) to an extending direction of the thirdopening OP3. A liquid crystal molecule LC in a fourth pixel area PX4,which is adjacent the third pixel area PX3 in the row direction D1 andis also adjacent the second pixel area PX2 in the column direction D2,is aligned in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of thefourth opening OP4.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first opening OP1 hassubstantially the same shape as the fourth opening OP4. The secondopening OP2 has a shape that is symmetrical to the first opening OP1with respect to the data line, and that is substantially the same as theshape of the third opening OP3. Thus, when a same voltage is applied toeach of the pixel electrodes, the liquid crystal molecule LC in thefirst pixel area PX1 is aligned in a same direction as the liquidcrystal molecule LC in the fourth pixel area PX4, and the liquid crystalmolecule LC in the second pixel area PX2 is aligned in a differentdirection from the liquid crystal molecule LC in the first pixel areaPX1, and the liquid crystal molecule LC in the third pixel area PX3 isaligned in a same direction as the liquid crystal molecule LC in thesecond pixel area PX2.

According to the present embodiment, liquid crystal molecules LC in adisplay area DA are aligned in different directions to form a pluralityof domains. Thus, a color perceived by an observer may be prevented fromvarying (e.g., may have a reduced degree of varying) due to changes in aview angle.

Furthermore, the domains are not formed in a pixel area, but are formedin different pixel areas. Thus, brightness decrease caused at a boundarybetween domains formed in a same pixel area may be reduced or prevented.

Furthermore, a common electrode CE continuously extends in a displayarea DA (e.g., is formed of a single piece of material). Thus, decreasein brightness or in contrast caused at a boundary between pixel areasmay be reduced or prevented. Furthermore, when the common electrode CEcontinuously extends in the display area DA, a common line CL formed inthe display area DA is not required so that an opening ratiosubstantially increases.

FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating a display substrate according toanother example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a planview illustrating a common electrode of the display substrateillustrated in FIG. 18.

Referring to FIG. 18, a display substrate includes a gate line GL, adata line DL, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, a drainelectrode DE, an active pattern AP, a pixel electrode PE, and a commonelectrode CE. The common electrode CCE has an opening OP overlappingwith the pixel electrode PE.

The display substrate is substantially the same as the display substrate100 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 (although a shape of theopening OP of the common electrode CE is different). Thus, duplicativeexplanation will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, a first opening OP1 in a first pixel areaPX1 is separated from, and spaced apart from, a second opening OP2 in asecond pixel area PX2 adjacent the first pixel area PX1 in a rowdirection D1. Thus, the common electrode

CE continuously extends in a column direction D2. For example, thecommon electrode CE may overlap with an entirety of the data line DL. Inan embodiment of the present invention, the first opening OP1 and thesecond opening OP2 are spaced apart from the data line DL in a plan view(e.g., the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 do not overlapthe data line DL).

Particularly, the first opening OP1 in the first pixel area PX1 includesa first extending portion OP11 extending in a first direction, a secondextending portion OP12 extending from an end of the first extendingportion OP11 in a second direction, and a third extending portion OP13extending from an opposite end of the first extending portion OP11 in athird direction. The first extending portion OP11, the second extendingportion OP12, and the third extending portion OP13 are continuouslycoupled to each other.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first direction isdifferent from the second direction, and the second direction issubstantially parallel to (e.g., opposite to) the third direction. Thefirst direction is tilted to the row direction D1 such that the firstdirection is not parallel to either the gate line GL or the data lineDL.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first extending portionOP11 is entirely overlapped with the pixel electrode PE (e.g., the pixelelectrode PE is below an entirety of the first extending portion OP11),and the second extending portion OP12 and the third extending portionOP13 are partially overlapped with the pixel electrode PE.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first pixel area PX1includes a plurality of first openings OP1 spaced apart from each otherin the column direction D2.

A second opening OP2 in a second pixel area PX2 adjacent the first pixelarea PX1 in a row direction D1 has a shape symmetrical to that of thefirst opening OP1 with respect to the data line DL.

In the present embodiment, the second opening OP2 includes a firstextending portion OP21 extending in a fourth direction, a secondextending portion OP22 extending from an end of the first extendingportion OP21 in a fifth direction, and a third extending portion OP23extending from an opposite end of the first extending portion OP21 in asixth direction. The first extending portion OP21, the second extendingportion OP22, and the third extending portion OP23 are continuouslycoupled to each other to form the second opening OP2.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the fourth direction isdifferent from the fifth direction, and the fifth direction issubstantially parallel to (e.g., opposite to) the sixth direction. Thefourth direction is tilted to the row direction D1 such that the fourthdirection is not parallel to either the gate line GL or the data lineDL.

A third opening OP3 in a third pixel area PX3 adjacent the first pixelarea PX1 in the column direction D2 has a shape symmetrical to that ofthe first opening OP1 with respect to the gate line GL. Thus, the thirdopening OP3 has a substantially similar shape as that of the secondopening OP2. Particularly, the third opening OP3 includes a firstextending portion OP31, a second extending portion OP32, and a thirdextending portion OP33, which are continuously coupled to each other.

A fourth opening OP4 in a fourth pixel area PX4 adjacent the secondpixel area PX2 in the column direction D2 and adjacent the third pixelarea PX3 in the row direction D1 has a shape symmetrical to the secondopening OP2 with respect to the gate line GL. Furthermore, the fourthopening OP4 has a shape symmetrical to that of the third opening OP3with respect to the data line DL. Thus, the fourth opening OP4 hassubstantially a same shape as that of the first opening OP1.Particularly, the fourth opening OP4 includes a first extending portionOP41, a second extending portion OP42, and a third extending portionOP43, which are continuously coupled to each other.

Thus, the common electrode CE in an embodiment of the present inventionhas a repeating unit including four pixel areas corresponding to tworows and two columns. First to fourth pixels respectively correspondingto the first to fourth pixel areas PX1, PX2, PX3 and PX4 are coupled todifferent thin film transistors to be independently driven.

FIG. 20 is a plan view illustrating a display substrate according toanother embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 20, adisplay substrate includes a gate line GL, a data line DL, a gateelectrode GE, a source electrode SE, a drain electrode DE, an activepattern AP, a pixel electrode PE, and a common electrode CE. The commonelectrode CE has an opening OP overlapping the pixel electrode PE.

The display substrate of the present embodiment is substantially thesame as the display substrate 100 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.18 (although a shape of the opening OP of the common electrode CE isdifferent). Thus, duplicative explanation will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 20, the common electrode CE has a plurality ofopenings OP spaced apart from each other in a row direction Dl. Theopening OP partially overlaps with the data line DL. Thus, the commonelectrode CE overlaps a portion of the data line DL.

A display substrate, a liquid crystal display panel, and a method ofmanufacturing a display substrate according to example embodiments ofthe present invention may be used for a display device such as amonitor, a television, a screen of a mobile phone or the like.

The foregoing is illustrative of example embodiments of the presentinvention, and is not to be construed as limiting of the presentinvention. Although a few example embodiments have been described, thoseskilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications arepossible in the example embodiments without materially departing fromthe novel aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of exampleembodiments as defined by the claims, and their equivalents. In theclaims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structuresdescribed herein as performing the recited function, and not onlystructural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Therefore, it isto be understood that the foregoing is not to be construed as limited tothe specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to thedisclosed example embodiments, as well as other example embodiments, areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Embodiments of the present invention are defined by the followingclaims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display substrate comprising: a display areacorresponding to a plurality of pixels; a peripheral area surroundingthe display area; a thin film transistor for driving a corresponding oneof the pixels; a gate line electrically coupled to the thin filmtransistor; a data line crossing the gate line and electrically coupledto the thin film transistor; a pixel electrode electrically coupled tothe thin film transistor; and a common electrode overlapping the pixelelectrode and having a first opening overlapping a first pixel of thepixels, and a second opening overlapping a second pixel of the pixelsadjacent the first pixel, wherein the first opening and the secondopening extend in different directions, and wherein the common electrodeis continuous and overlaps the first and second pixels.
 2. The displaysubstrate of claim 1, wherein the first opening and the second openingcollectively comprise a continuous opening.
 3. The display substrate ofclaim 2, wherein the first pixel is adjacent the second pixel in a rowdirection.
 4. The display substrate of claim 3, wherein the firstopening is symmetrical to the second opening with respect to the dataline.
 5. The display substrate of claim 4, wherein the common electrodefurther has: a third opening overlapping a third pixel of the pixelsthat is adjacent the first pixel in a column direction; and a fourthopening overlapping a fourth pixel of the pixels that is adjacent thesecond pixel in the column direction and is adjacent the third pixel inthe row direction, wherein the third opening is symmetrical to the firstopening with respect to the gate line, and wherein the fourth opening issymmetrical to the second opening with respect to the gate line.
 6. Thedisplay substrate of claim 5, wherein the first opening has: a firstextending portion extending in a first direction; a second extendingportion extending from an end of the first extending portion in a seconddirection different from the first direction; and a third extendingportion extending from an opposite end of the first extending portion ina third direction different from the first direction.
 7. The displaysubstrate of claim 6, wherein the second direction is opposite to thethird direction.
 8. The display substrate of claim 6, wherein the secondextending portion and the third extending portion each partially overlapthe pixel electrode.
 9. The display substrate of claim 1, wherein thefirst pixel is adjacent the second pixel in a row direction, and isspaced apart from the second pixel.
 10. The display substrate of claim9, wherein the first opening has: a first extending portion extending ina first direction; a second extending portion extending from an end ofthe first extending portion in a second direction different from thefirst direction; and a third extending portion extending from anopposite end of the first extending portion in a third directiondifferent from the first direction.
 11. The display substrate of claim10, wherein the second extending portion and the third extending portionrespectively overlap an adjacent data line.
 12. The display substrate ofclaim 10, wherein the second extending portion and the third extendingportion are spaced from an adjacent data line in a plan view.
 13. Thedisplay substrate of claim 1, further comprising a common lineelectrically coupled to the common electrode at the peripheral area. 14.The display substrate of claim 1, wherein the common electrode is on thepixel electrode.
 15. The display substrate of claim 1, furthercomprising a lower alignment layer on the common electrode and rubbed ina row direction.
 16. A display substrate comprising: a display areacorresponding to a plurality of pixels; a peripheral area surroundingthe display area; a thin film transistor for driving a corresponding oneof the pixels; a gate line electrically coupled to the thin filmtransistor; a data line crossing the gate line and electrically coupledto the thin film transistor; a pixel electrode electrically coupled tothe thin film transistor; and a common electrode overlapping the pixelelectrode and having an opening overlapping a first pixel of the pixels,and a second pixel of the pixels adjacent the first pixel, wherein theopening has a zigzag shape.
 17. The display substrate of claim 16,wherein a protrusion portion of the opening extends in a columndirection and has a “V” shape.
 18. The display substrate of claim 16,wherein the opening has a protrusion portion that overlaps the dateline.
 19. The display substrate of claim 16, wherein the opening of thecommon electrode further has a third opening overlapping a third pixelof the pixels adjacent the first pixel in a column direction, and afourth opening overlapping a fourth pixel of the pixels adjacent thesecond pixel in the column direction, wherein the third and fourthopenings are respectively symmetrical to the first and second openingswith respect to the gate line.
 20. A liquid crystal display panelcomprising: a display substrate comprising a display area correspondingto a plurality of pixels, and a peripheral area surrounding the displayarea; an opposing substrate coupled to the display substrate; a liquidcrystal layer between the display substrate and the opposing substrate,a thin film transistor on the display substrate and for driving acorresponding one of the pixels; a gate line electrically coupled to thethin film transistor; a data line crossing the gate line andelectrically coupled to the thin film transistor; a pixel electrodeelectrically coupled to the thin film transistor; and a common electrodeoverlapping the pixel electrode and having a first opening overlapping afirst pixel of the pixels, and a second opening overlapping a secondpixel of the pixels adjacent the first pixel, wherein the first openingand the second opening extend in different directions, and wherein thecommon electrode is continuous and overlaps the first and second pixels.21. The liquid crystal display panel of claim 20, wherein the firstopening and the second opening collectively define a continuous opening,and wherein the first pixel and the second pixel are adjacent each otherin a row direction.
 22. The liquid crystal display panel of claim 21,wherein the first opening is symmetrical to the second opening withrespect to the data line.
 23. The liquid crystal display panel of claim22, wherein the common electrode further has: a third openingoverlapping a third pixel of the pixels adjacent the first pixel in acolumn direction; and a fourth opening overlapping a fourth pixel of thepixels adjacent the second pixel in the column direction and adjacentthe third pixel in the row direction, wherein the third opening issymmetrical to the first opening with respect to the gate line, andwherein the fourth opening is symmetrical to the second opening withrespect to the gate line.
 24. The liquid crystal display panel of claim23, wherein the first opening has: a first extending portion extendingin a first direction; a second extending portion extending from an endof the first extending portion in a second direction different from thefirst direction; and a third extending portion extending from anopposite end of the first extending portion in a third directiondifferent from the first direction.
 25. The liquid crystal display panelof claim 24, wherein the second direction is opposite to the thirddirection.
 26. The liquid crystal display panel of claim 24, wherein thesecond extending portion and the third extending portion each partiallyoverlap the pixel electrode.
 27. The liquid crystal display panel ofclaim 20, wherein the first pixel is adjacent the second pixel in a rowdirection, and is spaced apart from the second pixel.
 28. The liquidcrystal display panel of claim 27, wherein the first opening has: afirst extending portion extending in a first direction; a secondextending portion extending from an end of the first extending portionin a second direction different from the first direction; and a thirdextending portion extending from an opposite end of the first extendingportion in a third direction different from the first direction.
 29. Theliquid crystal display panel of claim 28, wherein the second extendingportion and the third extending portion respectively overlap an adjacentdata line.
 30. The liquid crystal display panel of claim 28, wherein thesecond extending portion and the third extending portion are spacedapart from an adjacent data line in a plan view.
 31. The liquid crystaldisplay panel of claim 20, wherein the display substrate furthercomprises a common line electrically coupled to the common electrode atthe peripheral area.
 32. The liquid crystal display panel of claim 20,wherein the display substrate further comprises a lower alignment layeron the common electrode and rubbed in a row direction, and an upperalignment layer below the opposing substrate and rubbed in a rowdirection.
 33. A liquid crystal display panel comprising: a displaysubstrate comprising a display area corresponding to a plurality ofpixels, and a peripheral area surrounding the display area; an opposingsubstrate coupled to the display substrate; a liquid crystal layerbetween the display substrate and the opposing substrate; a thin filmtransistor for driving a corresponding one of the pixels on the displaysubstrate; a gate line electrically coupled to the thin film transistor;a data line crossing the gate line and electrically coupled to the thinfilm transistor; a pixel electrode electrically coupled to the thin filmtransistor; and a common electrode overlapping the pixel electrode andhaving a first opening overlapping a first pixel of the pixels, and asecond opening overlapping with a second pixel of the pixels adjacentthe first pixel, wherein the first and second openings have a zigzagshape.
 34. The liquid crystal display panel of claim 33, wherein thefirst and second openings have a protrusion portion protruding in acolumn direction and having a “V” shape.
 35. The liquid crystal displaypanel of claim 34, wherein the protrusion portion overlaps the dateline.